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Sempervivum, Hen & Chicks, Red Heart

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Size 2" Potted Plant 4" Potted Plant

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Sempervivum ‘Red Heart’: The Succulent That Loves You Back

Meet Sempervivum ‘Red Heart’, a plant that wins hearts—literally. This charming member of the Hen and Chicks family forms tight rosettes with deep green outer leaves and a bold, crimson center. It’s like nature painted a heart right in the middle of each plant. And the best part? It’s not just beautiful—it’s tough.

Sempervivum ‘Red Heart’ is the kind of plant that thrives on sunshine, shrugs off cold winters, and asks almost nothing in return. Whether you're filling a rock garden, topping off a container, or planting between stepping stones, this little wonder delivers beauty all year long.

Let’s explore how to grow, care for, and truly enjoy this garden gem.

What Is Sempervivum ‘Red Heart’?

Sempervivum, commonly known as Hen and Chicks, is a hardy succulent native to mountainous parts of Europe. Its name means “always alive,” and that’s no exaggeration.

‘Red Heart’ is a striking variety that stands out thanks to its rich color contrast. Each compact rosette features:

Glossy green outer leaves
A dramatic red to burgundy center
A symmetrical, layered shape

Each “hen” produces lots of “chicks” that cluster around it. These chicks grow into their own rosettes, creating a dense, living mat over time. It’s easy to see how this plant got its loving nickname.

Why Gardeners Adore It

This succulent is a favorite for beginners and experts alike. Here’s why:

Eye-catching color: The bright red center glows in cooler weather and strong sun
Cold-hardy: Survives even snowy winters (Zones 3–9)
Drought-tolerant: Perfect for xeriscapes and low-water gardens
Multiplies naturally: Produces baby plants without any effort from you
Low maintenance: Truly thrives on neglect

Once you plant it, it pretty much takes care of itself.

How to Grow Sempervivum ‘Red Heart’

You don’t need fancy tools, special soil, or much experience. Just a sunny spot, some well-draining soil, and a little patience.

☀️ Light: Sunlight Sparks the Color

To get that rich red center, your plant needs full sun—at least 6 hours daily. The more sun it gets, the deeper the color contrast becomes. While it can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates, too little light can make it stretch or fade.

🌱 Soil: Drainage Is a Must

Sempervivum hate soggy roots. Use soil that drains fast and stays dry between waterings. Ideal choices include:

Sandy or gritty mixes
Cactus or succulent soil
Raised beds or rock gardens

If planting in the ground, improve heavy soil with sand or gravel. In containers, always use pots with drainage holes.

💧 Water: Less Is Best

Overwatering is the #1 cause of problems. Stick to this simple rule:

Water only when the soil is completely dry
In hot summer, water deeply but infrequently
In cooler months, water rarely—if at all

Avoid letting water sit in the center of the rosette. It can cause rot.

🌼 Fertilizer: Optional at Best

Sempervivum ‘Red Heart’ doesn’t need feeding. It’s used to growing in nutrient-poor soils. If you really want to give it a boost, a light cactus fertilizer once a year in spring is enough.

🌿 Planting Tips and Spacing

Plant each rosette about 6 to 8 inches apart. This gives the chicks room to grow and fill in the gaps naturally. Over time, you’ll have a dense, colorful mat.

Great places to plant ‘Red Heart’:

Rock gardens
Terra cotta bowls
Fairy gardens
Green roofs
Border edges
Wall crevices or stepping stones

Its shallow roots make it perfect for small or unusual planting spaces.

🌸 Flowering and Life Cycle

Each rosette flowers once in its lifetime. It sends up a tall bloom stalk with star-shaped pink flowers in summer. After blooming, the mother rosette dies. But don’t worry—it will have already produced plenty of chicks to carry on.

Once the rosette browns, just remove it and let the chicks fill in the space.

Propagating More ‘Red Heart’

Want more plants? No problem. Here’s how to multiply your collection:

Let the chicks grow until they’re about 1–2 inches wide.
Gently twist or pull them from the base of the mother.
Let the offsets dry for a day or two to heal.
Replant in gritty soil and water lightly.

They’ll root quickly and start forming their own little families in no time.

Seasonal Care Tips

🌸 Spring

Clean up any dead leaves
Replant or reposition chicks
Resume occasional watering

☀️ Summer

Watch for blooms
Water only during long dry spells
Enjoy the full show of color

🍂 Fall

Reduce watering as temperatures drop
Remove spent flowers and dried rosettes
Cooler weather brings out deep red tones

❄️ Winter

No special care needed in the ground (Zones 3–9)
For containers, keep dry and protected from excess rain
Snow cover? It actually insulates the plant!

Pests and Problems

Very few pests or diseases bother this plant. Still, keep an eye out for:

Rot: Usually due to too much moisture. Improve drainage and reduce watering.
Stretching or fading: Likely not enough sunlight—move it to a sunnier spot.
Mealybugs: Rare, but treat with a swab of rubbing alcohol if needed.

Perfect Companion Plants

Pair ‘Red Heart’ with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants for a striking combo. Great options include:

Sedum (Stonecrop)
Delosperma (Ice Plant)
Echeveria
Armeria
Creeping thyme

The color, texture, and ease of care will make your garden glow.

A Plant That Grows With Love

Sempervivum ‘Red Heart’ is more than a pretty face. It’s a reminder that something tough can still be tender—surviving in harsh conditions and coming back brighter every season. Whether you plant it in a backyard border, a sunny balcony, or a small container on your windowsill, it brings warmth and wonder to your space.

With almost no maintenance, year-round beauty, and a heart of red, this plant doesn’t just grow—it grows on you. ❤️

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Sempervivum, Hen & Chicks, Red Heart